Due to the graphic nature of this killer's crimes, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of murder and assault that some people may find offensive.

We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

In 1859, after murdering his wife's lover, Daniel Sickles became the first man in United States history to be

acquitted after using an insanity defense.

Clearly this defense worked quite well, as Sickles would later become one of the most prominent

generals during the Civil War, and even re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. relatives.

For years to come, criminals would take inspiration from Sickles' insanity plea as they tried to evade jail.

But this poses the question, how well has the insanity defense worked for serial killers?

One serial killer tried hard to use this justification when he said, quote, I know it's wrong to kill,

but if you've got a reason, it's justified.

It's all right. I have no doubts whatsoever. My mission is only partially fulfilled.

God gave me the mission to kill. He got me out of trouble. I'm in God's hands."

End quote.

Those are the chilling words of a man pleading not guilty, by reason of insanity.

Serial killer Peter Sutcliffe claimed he was directed by

Voices of God to kill innocent women. But can we be entirely sure he wasn't just a master manipulator?

In other words, is it possible to successfully fake your own psychosis

to create an elaborate lie in order to get out of jail.

And if Peter Sutcliffe's insanity

was in fact all an extensive hoax,

then what were his real motivations

...